Rhodesia’s Action on Refugee Project Seen Based on Misapprehension

Authoritative circles here expressed the belief today that yesterday’s statement by the Government of Northern Rhodesia, that a refuge settlement project had been abandoned, was based on a misapprehension since reports of an alleged intention of the imperial Government to admit 500 Jewish refugee families to that British colony were unfounded.

The British Government, it was said, does not intend to support any plan for mass immigration of refugees to any British colony. Refugee settlement, it was stated in these circles, must be gradual while the absorptibility of the east African colonies was very limited.

It was pointed out that Lord Plymouth, in discussing settlement of east Africa and Northern Rhodesia in the House of Lords on July 27, stated that time must be allowed to consider the complicated problem.

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency understands authoritatively, therefore, that there was no reason why the North Rhodesian Government should have issued a statement. On the other hand, the Imperial Government will be guided by the views expressed by the Acting Governor of Rhodesia, but does not necessarily need to accept or act upon them.